DTF printing: full-colour transfers for fast garment jobs

The design is printed in reverse onto a special film, with a white layer behind the colours so it shows on dark and light garments alike. Adhesive powder is applied and cured, and the transfer is pressed onto the fabric with heat and pressure. Once the film is peeled away, the design stays on the garment. The same transfer can be prepared in advance and pressed when needed, which helps with tight schedules.

DTF suits full-colour logos, designs with gradients, small quantities, mixed sizes and names or numbers on the back of team shirts. It works on cotton, polyester and blends, and on items such as bags, aprons and caps where the fabric allows. For big runs of a simple single-colour logo, screen printing may make better sense. For a stitched look on golf shirts, consider embroidery.

DTF prints sit on top of the fabric and have a slightly raised, flexible feel, different from the soft hand of DTG. They are designed to be washed, but follow care advice: wash inside out on a gentle cycle, avoid high heat and do not iron directly on the print. Results depend on fabric and care, so we do not state fixed wash-life figures.

Send vector artwork or a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background, sized to the intended print area. Keep fine lines above a minimum thickness, and avoid text that is too small to read at print size. Tell us the garment colour so we can plan the underlay. See artwork guidelines or ask about artwork rescue.

Rush DTF is subject to capacity, job size, approved artwork, payment and a confirmed deadline, and to garment availability. Transfers can sometimes be produced in advance of pressing. Collect from our Rivonia shop when we confirm the order is ready; delivery is quoted per job. For garment-only choices, see T-shirt printing.

Tell us the garments, sizes and print positions, and we will quote DTF printing in writing.